If your young child is taking private piano lessons chances are, they could use your help.
However, if you do not know to play the piano yourself, you might be wondering how you can help.
Following are some suggestions, based on more than ten years of teaching experience to help you help your child practice the piano.
If your child is just beginning, you have a wonderful opportunity to receive free piano lessons; bond with your child; and ensure every piano lesson is prepared for.
A great piano teacher will encourage your attendance at the lesson, if not your participation in the lesson.
During the lesson, actively listen to the teacher and to your child.
Review the lesson with the teacher.
Ask questions, if necessary.
Make sure you know what the practice assignment is.
The best time to practice the piano is right after the lesson.
Sit down with your child and practice together.
In your child's piano book, you will find very easy to follow instructions on how to find the notes used in each song, which fingers to use and so on.
Play the song together with your child.
Try playing the song slowly, quickly, high on the piano, and low on the piano.
It is okay to be creative and make the songs fun and silly.
Feel free to let your child play the roll of teacher if he or she wants to, but do not reverse rolls.
You are the parent.
You have a different roll.
A parent's role, in the world of piano lessons for kids, is simple: support, encourage and allow.
Support your child by creating time to practice.
Be there during practice time and supply the fun.
Be the "practice buddy".
Encourage your child with phrases like, "You can do it;" and "Way to go;" "You are doing great.
" These phrases quickly become a part of your child's self-talk.
Children naturally love to "do it again.
" Encourage this.
Moreover, be sure to end each practice session by gushing praise, hugs and kisses on them.
Finally, allow your child to find his or her own way.
Mistakes are okay.
Your advice is okay, if sought.
However, remember, you are there just for fun, support, and to answer any questions your child might have.
A parent's job is to correct behavior.
As your child's practice buddy, though, try to avoid correcting.
Especially if you hear, "But teacher Jeff said to do it this way...
" Let it go.
You might be right, but having fun at this early stage in learning how to play the piano is far more important than being right.
As a parent, you might feel a little out of your element when it comes to helping your child practice.
However, remember, your roll is to support, encourage and allow.
If you still have questions, a great teacher knows that a parent's involvement is vital to successful practice sessions and is always willing to help.